We own a timeshare and have been going for over 10 years - every year.. we love Aruba. We also dive and have only seen a sand shark once on the south side of the island.

We did see a shark patrol eagle beach 2 years ago. It swam right against the shore line quite fast. We were on shore and could not make out what he was - but it was roughly 4' long... was not a sand shark or nurse shark for sure.

They are out there but - not to attack people, eagle beach has allot of schooling flat fish and he prob just followed them in for a snack.

Aruba is very safe and the people are extremely friendly and helpful.

But did you know... they do have rattle snakes on the island.. most people do not. So if you leave you car on the back side of the island - do not go tipping rocks over or get near holes and put your hands in - you never know whats inside. They also have Gila monsters ( a small lizard that gave give you a very painful bite. I have never seen either out in the back part of the island other than in a glass aquarium ( the Parks department - had them on display at the Bat cave.. I forget the real name of the cave.)

Have fun and do not worry, it's the best place to go as a family.